A Simple Family Christmas Eve Service

Read on December 2

Story provided by Martha

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” —Lamentations 3:25

Every Christmas Eve, Martha’s family piled into the car to attend their church’s Christmas Eve service together. After church, the family returned home to eat a dinner of hot chili and tamales. The kids were allowed to open one gift, usually Christmas PJs. Finally, a plate of cookies and a Coke were set out for Santa. 

Then it was time for everyone to settle down for a family Christmas Eve service. It was the same service every year, the one recommended by a Sunday School teacher:

• Someone would light a Christmas candle and read aloud Luke 2:1–7.
• The whole family would sing “Away in A Manger.”
• Someone would read aloud Luke 2:8–12.
• The family would sing “Silent Night.”
• Someone would read aloud Luke 2:13–14.
• The family would sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.
• They would have a family prayer of thanksgiving around the circle.
• Someone would blow out the candle.

Martha always wanted her children to go to sleep on Christmas Eve remembering that the holiday was, most importantly, about Jesus.

This is a perfect time to take time and pray about those holy days. 

What traditions would you like to establish or maintain with your family and friends that will draw them into God’s purpose for those days?

Mary knew that she was walking in obedience to the will of God. When the angel, Gabriel, spoke to her, he said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28). God chose Mary because she walked with him. 

Mary was going to have a baby, and she had become pregnant before she and Joseph were married. Her culture would have known how to count the weeks too. She could not have known then that there would be a census and that she would safely deliver God’s Son among people she did not know. 

Mary and Joseph didn’t need to know the plan. They just needed to walk with the Author of the plan.

Mary is an example for every generation of God’s children. Those who walk with God will be blessed. He has a plan for your Christmas season, and He wants to show you His mercy, His love. 

The joy of a Christ-focused Christmas will come to those who wait.